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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-14-13-R ,'SI QEEN HILLS Approved: November 25, 2013 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 14,2013 7:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:03 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave McClung, and Ed Werner Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Ryan Streff; and City Clerk Amy Died PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested Item B be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Councilmember Holmes requested Item C be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously(5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, discussed the September 16, 2013, work session meeting. He discouraged the Council from moving forward with franchise fees. He found the franchise fee to be a regressive, hidden tax. He explained that heating rates are projected to rise 13% this winter and will greatly impact Arden Hills' homeowners. He felt that Arden Hills' residents deserved better leadership. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 14, 2013 2 Elizabeth Garsky, 1795 Lake Valentine Road, expressed concern with the poor condition of her roadway given the high level of traffic this summer due to road construction. She explained that she discussed this matter with a representative at MnDOT. She then presented the Public Works Director with several photographs showing the poor condition of Lake Valentine Road. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. TCAAP Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that all but one building has been demolished on the TCAAP property. She explained that Building 502 will have asbestos abatement completed this winter and will be demolished in the spring. B. Report on JDA Denver Visit Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that on August 1 and 2, 2013, the JDA visited three redevelopment areas in Denver: Stapleton, Fitzsimons-Anschultz, and Lowry. Following the visit, Commissioners and staff completed questionnaires detailing the insight gained from the visit. The completed questionnaires have been compiled and summarized. The report completed does not include every comment, but focuses on the recurring themes that were evident in many responses. The JDA reviewed this report at its October 7, 2013, meeting and the Commissioners' comments have been incorporated. Responses regarding the best features of the Denver redevelopments can be generally categorized as diversity, design, and public spaces. Community Development Director Hutmacher addressed diversity within the 3 development areas. She noted that in Lowry and particularly in Stapleton, housing styles and architecture are varied, yet fit together well in terms of scale. Homebuilders are not allowed to construct housing on adjacent lots to avoid a "cookie-cutter" streetscape. Elevations and colors cannot be repeated on a block. Types of housing are also diverse. Thoughtful design assures that diverse housing types (single-family, paired homes, multi-family) are well-integrated in neighborhoods. The mix of housing types also allows a diversity of incomes and ages. Older residents may live in senior housing in close proximity to their younger family members. Young professionals, families, and empty nesters may find suitable housing within a single neighborhood. Community Development Director Hutmacher provided comment on design. She explained that much of the diversity is accomplished through a high level of design. Both Stapleton and Lowry utilize extensive design guidelines that are applicable to all development in the community. The design guidelines promote consistent quality and a unified aesthetic. With the high level of design, although densities were approximately 12 units per acre, the development does not seem exceedingly dense. Infrastructure also contributes to design. Utilities are buried. Alleys are used extensively to eliminate garages on public roads. Two-lane streets and landscaped medians are used to give streetscapes a pedestrian scale and diminish the tendency of roadways to divide neighborhoods. Community Development Director Hutmacher then discussed the importance of public spaces. She commented that both Lowry and Stapleton have significant public spaces that encourage community interaction. Stapleton has a retail-focused town center and an open public green space ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 14, 2013 3 that is used for large events. Lowry also has a retail core and extensive parks and trails. In the neighborhoods, substantial landscaping in public areas and even on private property is maintained by the homeowners association. Public art creates a unique community character. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that despite the many achievements of the Denver redevelopments, questionnaire responses noted a few missed opportunities. All of the Denver redevelopments lacked significant transit options. An LRT connection will soon be provided to Stapleton; however, the station will be built in a less-than-ideal location. The Anschutz-Fitzsimons redevelopment has little on-site residential or retail uses that could be complementary to the office/medical uses. Respondents noted the absence of commercial development and high-quality, on-site employment opportunities at both Stapleton and Lowry. All of the redevelopment areas have limited infrastructure or other connections that could integrate the redevelopment areas with the surrounding communities. Community Development Director Hutmacher discussed several lessons that the JDA has taken away from the visit for the TCAAP development. Questionnaire responses suggested nine general lessons for the TCAAP redevelopment project: • Incorporate the site's unique history. Like Stapleton, Anschutz-Fitzsimons, and Lowry, TCAAP has unique history. The contributions of the site and the people who worked at TCAAP should be documented and preserved as the site is redeveloped. • Establish multi-modal transportation. Provide options for future transit connections. Value pedestrians and bicycles as well as vehicles. • Include a town center area or other community gathering spaces. Provide opportunities for interaction. Build a sense of community through the design of public spaces. • Promote an urban-hybrid design. Allow smaller setbacks and yards. Consider alleys where appropriate. Design a streetscape that has a human scale and that encourages walking and community interaction. • Support moderate density with high-quality design. Develop design guidelines that create consistency across the site while also requiring diversity of architecture and building types. • Enhance community character with public art and amenities. Differentiate the TCAAP redevelopment with public art, landscaping, and the design of public amenities. • Connect TCAAP to the rest of Arden Hills and surrounding communities. Provide transportation and trail connections. Design public spaces so that they are inviting to people outside of TCAAP. Maintain some consistency between TCAAP and the rest of Arden Hills. • Work to achieve balance between. . . ➢ The needs of TCAAP with the rest of Arden Hills. ➢ Commitment to the vision with flexibility for market changes. ➢ Commitment to the vision and market realities. • Build consensus. . . ➢ Between the City and the County on redevelopment goals. ➢ In support of the vision among the community and developers. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 14, 2013 4 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that while respondents named potential risks for the TCAAP development including financial risks, market changes, and abandonment of the vision over the development period given changes in staff and officials; the rewards for the City and County for a successful redevelopment project were greater. Revitalizing and reusing the site was considered a significant accomplishment in itself. The long-term stability of the tax base is a primary goal. Enhancing and differentiating the "Arden Hills brand" from competing suburbs was seen as a way to preserve property values and attract new investment. Lastly, respondents saw the potential to establish Arden Hills as a model for environmental and economic sustainability, connectivity among people and communities, and livability for residents across a range of demographics. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the next steps for the City Council will be to provide feedback on this report which will be provided to the master planning consultants for consideration as they draft the Master Plan. Councilmember Holmes expressed concerns with the JDA and asked if the County could better communicate with the City on the TCAAP redevelopment project. David Sand, JDA Chair, stated that this is a valid concern and stated there has been a fairly good consensus on how to redevelop the site. He explained that the AUAR and master planning process will require a great deal of communication between the two entities. There will have to be a balance between both the City and County's interests. Councilmember Holden thanked Mr. Sand for his service to the City of Arden Hills and for his leadership as the Chair on the JDA. C. Transportation Update Public Works Director Maurer provided the Council with an update on the US 10 and Highway 96 road construction project. He reviewed several photographs of the roadway and sound wall. Staff discussed the progress of the project and noted paving has begun on Highway 96. He anticipates that the project will be open for traffic in approximately five weeks. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 19, 2013, Work Session B. August 26, 2013, Work Session C. August 26, 2013, Regular D. September 9, 2013, Work Session E. September 9, 2013, Regular MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the August 19, 2013, work session minutes; August 26, 2013, work session minutes; August 26, 2013, regular City Council meeting minutes; September 9, 2013, work session minutes; and September 9, 2013, regular City Council meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 14, 2013 5 5. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item- Claims and Payroll B. G. Amendment to City Code Chapter 3 Regulating ResidepAial RenW Pr-opeAies MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended removing Items B and C for further discussion and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 6. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. JPA with Ramsey County Elections Councilmember Holden requested further information on this item. She questioned how much money was budgeted for the equipment purchase. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reviewed an updated JPA from Ramsey County with the Council. She explained that the only changes to the document were that Spring Lake Park was removed and the maintenance fees were slightly higher. She commented that the ballot marking devices were State mandated and the new equipment will be purchased jointly with the County. She estimated the equipment costs between $10,000-20,000; however the expense came in over $26,000. She also stated that the County still had some HAVA funds to use for these purchases that needed to be used in 2014 or would need to be returned to the State. If this was done our cost would increase. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion approving the proposed Joint Powers Agreement with Ramsey County for new voting system acquisition and operation. The motion carried (5-0). B. Amendment to City Code Chapter 3 Regulating Residential Rental Properties Councilmember Holmes requested further information on this item. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the proposed amendment would clarify the occupancy levels within residential rental properties. In addition, the City would now have the ability to issue citations. Councilmember Holmes asked if the definition of a"family"was new to the City Code. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that this definition is already included in the Definitions section of the Zoning Code. A reference to the existing definition is being added to the rental regulations section of the City Code to clarify occupancy requirements for landlords and tenants, and to allow the City to issue citations in situations where the allowed occupancy is exceeded. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 14, 2013 6 The Council requested updates when the City issues citations related to the rental licensing ordinance. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance 2013-009 amending Section 335 of the City Code regulating residential rental properties. The motion carried (5-0). 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. TCAAP Development Discussion Opportunity for Residents Mayor Grant stated that under the public hearing section, citizens have an opportunity to discuss ideas regarding the TCAAP development. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:53 p.m. 8. NEW BUSINESS A. TCAAP AUAR Community Development Director Hutmacher stated at a special work session meeting on September 30, 2013, Kimley-Horn presented information on the AUAR process and development scenarios. An AUAR is a form of environmental documentation through Minnesota State Rules that evaluates a development scenario (or several scenarios) for an entire geographical area rather than a specific project. Development scenarios are established based upon the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinances, developers' plans and other relevant information. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that the AUAR will test the development so that Arden Hills as the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) has information available to make informed decisions about the level of development and mitigation. An AUAR process is formally initiated by RGU order, which establishes the study area and scenarios to be addressed, and officially starts the AUAR process. Beth Kunkel, Kimley-Horn, provided the Council with a presentation and further defined the work that will be completed within the AUAR. She reviewed the requirements within the AUAR noting that the study will address the study area boundary and development scenarios. She explained that two development scenarios are proposed for study in the AUAR. The first scenario is consistent with the City's comprehensive plan and the associated development limits included in the City's zoning code. The second scenario increases the amount of development to maximum density based on the anticipated capacity of the transportation network. Allowed uses within the 427 acres include retail, non-retail commercial (office, light industrial), residential, and park space. Zoning Scenario: up to 1,500 residential units; 500,000 square feet of retail; and 1,700,000 square feet of non-retail commercial ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 14, 2013 7 Maximum Development Scenario: up to 2,500 residential units; 550,000 square feet of retail; and 1,950,000 square feet of non-retail commercial Ms. Kunkel reviewed the AUAR project timeline, noting the AUAR would take approximately six months to complete. She requested the City Council approve a zoning scenario and a maximum development scenario for evaluation in the AUAR and approve a resolution ordering the AUAR. Councilmember Holden stated that the existing zoning contemplated a project area of 585 acres. She recommended that staff keep in mind that approximately 30 acres will be lost for a trail section. She wanted to see this land accounted for and a reduction made in both scenarios. Mayor Grant commented that this is an eight percent reduction in the land available for redevelopment. Councilmember Holden was in favor of reducing the proposed residential units, retail space and commercial space by eight percent to reflect the land loss for the trail. Mayor Grant suggested that the eight percent be rounded up to ten percent which would scale the number of residential units down by 150 units. Ms. Kunkel explained that the numbers could be reduced by ten percent for the study. Mayor Grant indicated that after calculating the numbers again, seven percent of the total project area will be lost to the trail section. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve two development scenarios to be evaluated in the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) reducing_ the development scenarios by seven percent(7%). Councilmember McClung commented that he would not be able to support the motion as proposed. He is in favor of the recommendation from staff as this allows for more flexibility in the future. Councilmember Holden stated that her intent is to have the scenarios more closely reflect the actual amount of land that is available for redevelopment. She wanted to see the minimum and maximum amounts for residential be realistic. Mayor Grant reviewed the impacts that would be made to the residential units if the scenarios were reduced by seven percent. Councilmember Werner supported the original recommendation made by Kimley-Horn. The motion failed (2-3) (Holmes,McClung and Werner opposed). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-OCTOBER 14, 2013 8 MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember_ Werner seconded a motion to approve two development scenarios to be evaluated in the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR). Councilmember Holmes stated that she would not support this motion or the previously amended motion as the Council does not have enough information regarding the proposed development scenarios. The motion carried.(3-2) (Holden and Holmes opposed). MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2013-039 — Ordering the AUAR. The motion carried (3-2) (Holden and Holmes opposed). B. State of the District — Upcoming Levy Referendum Question on November Ballot Dan Hoverman, Mounds View School District Superintendent, thanked the Council for their time. He introduced Bob Helgeson of the Mounds View School Board who was also in attendance this evening. Bob Helgeson, Mounds View School Board, provided a presentation on behalf of the school district. He explained that Mounds View schools were focused on adding value. The district's mission statement and equity promise was reviewed in detail along with the priorities for the upcoming school year. These priorities include all-day every day kindergarten for 2014, early college program implementation at Mounds View High School, financial stability through levy renewal in 2013, and contract negotiations to enhance financial stability while securing the best employees. Mr. Helgeson discussed how the demographics in the district have been changing over the past 20 years. He indicated that the district's enrollment has remained steady over this time, while the number of students receiving free and reduced lunch has doubled during this period. Mr. Helgeson reviewed the performance standards that have been achieved by Mounds View School District students. It was noted the district had the fourth highest number of National Merit students in the State of Minnesota. In addition, the district's students were one to three grade levels above the national average for standardized tests. These achievements are a testament to the commitment the district has to its students. Mr. Helgeson discussed the STEAM program taking place at the district's middle schools. He noted this program had focused learning on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. The numerous benefits of the early college program were then reviewed. He stated that all students could now receive a two year degree by the time they graduated high school. This program received the 2013 Grand Prize from the States Local Government Innovation Award. Mr. Helgeson provided comment on the value of the education the students in the Mounds View School District were receiving. He indicated that a spring community survey shows 90% of the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 14, 2013 9 community felt they were receiving a good value from their investment in the public schools, with 91% of residents stating the quality of the education was excellent or good. In addition, 91% of the residents were proud and would recommend the Mounds View schools to others. Mr. Helgeson stated that the 2006 levy will expire in 2014. If voters do not renew the proposed levy, the local schools will stop receiving $11.5 million each year. He explained that the district was not asking for an increase, but was simply hoping to renew the current levels being paid to schools. This would assure that class sizes could be maintained and current programming would remain in place. Mr. Helgeson reviewed several measures that have been taken by the district to contain costs. He indicated administrative costs for the district were low when compared to districts of similar size, while the investment made in each student was the highest when compared to districts of similar size. He played a video for the Council regarding the proposed levy and encouraged all Arden Hills residents to support the levy on November 5th Mayor Grant thanked Mr. Helgeson for his presentation. He questioned when the proposed levy would expire. Mr. Helgeson explained that the proposed levy would serve the district for eight years. Mayor Grant requested further information on the early college program in the Mounds View School District. Mr. Hoverman discussed the numerous benefits of this program at length with the Council. He commented that there are approximately 585 students participating in this program. He noted that the program was extremely attractive due to the tuition savings offered to parents. Mayor Grant commended the school district on their achievements and wished them all the best with the upcoming levy vote. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Gateway Sign at County Road E-2/35W Public Works Director Maurer stated that since the September 16, 2013, work session, staff has been working with Jay Higgins of Fourth Dimensions, LLC, and Nick Tamble of LLG Gardens on a gateway sign installation at County Road E-2 and 35W. Based on discussion at a previous work session, staff has focused on the north side of County Road E-2 because of increased visibility to all traffic near that intersection. Public Works Director Maurer explained that the first issue staff worked on with Mr. Higgins and Mr. Tamble was the size of the sign. On the north side, the sign will be slightly set back from the roadway and slightly elevated on the natural ground level. He explained that Mr. Higgins fabricated an aluminum frame the size of the triangle parcel sign and took photos of it in the general area being considered for installation. Based on this process, it is recommended that the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 14, 2013 10 gateway sign be about 50% larger, roughly 15 feet wide by 9 feet tall at the highest point. Mr. Higgins estimated that this sign would cost approximately $24,070 to manufacture and install. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that staff also met with Mr. Tamble at the site to discuss landscaping around the sign. With the natural setting and lack of water for an irrigation system, Mr. Tamble is suggesting limestone rock outcroppings cascading down the slight incline from the sign location with some plants and shrub material that are more draught tolerant. Mr. Tamble estimates $7,500 should be budgeted for landscaping. This cost would be reduced with City crews' help. He requested the Council discuss the matter further and direct staff on how to proceed. Councilmember Werner asked if the sign would be slanted to face the west for viewing. Public Works Director Maurer discussed how the sign would be positioned at the intersection. He explained that some of the vegetation would have to be cleared out and mowed down to assist in making the sign more visible. Councilmember Holmes commented that she was not in favor of putting a sign at this corner of the intersection given the poor visibility. She recommended the sign be located near the office building. Councilmember McClung opposed the gateway sign and expressed concern with the growing size, scale and expense of the project. He suggested that the expense for the sign be invested in the City's parks. Councilmember Holden supported the gateway signs as they assisted in branding the City of Arden Hills and were a priority for the Council. She suggested the sign be placed near the office building as the area was already mowed. Mayor Grant wanted to see the gateway sign move forward, however, he was not convinced this corner of the intersection was the proper location. He stated he was surprised by the proposed expense. Councilmember Werner indicated that the south side of the intersection may be a better fit for the gateway sign. The sign would be in a manicured location and the size could be reduced. Councilmember Holden suggested the sign proceed on the south corner of the intersection to assure it could be completed yet this fall. Public Works Director Maurer estimated the cost for the gateway sign would be reduced by half if the sign were moved to the south corner of this intersection. He commented that the sign would have to be pushed back from Cleveland Avenue to assure that sight lines were clear. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to proceed with a 6' x 10' gateway sign and landscaping on the south corner of County Road E-2 and 35W for a cost not to exceed $17,000. The motion carried (4-1) (McClung opposed). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 14, 2013 11 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Werner stated that he will not be able to attend the November 12, 2013, Council meeting. Councilmember Holden commented that the water tower looked really nice. She questioned if the franchise fee issue was brought up in a recent newspaper article. City Administrator Klaers indicated that the City considering a franchise fee was part of the Bulletin newspaper article on the City of Mounds View franchise fee program. Also, an article is being written for the December issue of the City newsletter to inform Arden Hills' residents on this topic. Councilmember Holmes indicated that the ice rink at Freeway Park was recently painted by Bethel University students. She thanked Bethel for completing this work. Mayor Grant read a letter he received from the GFOA and discussed the Distinguished Budget Award that the City of Arden Hills will be receiving. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Maygr Grant adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 9:�4jyu 21m. � t..�. Amy Died David Grant City Clerk Mayor